Beximco starts export of Olopatadine to Canada

Beximco Pharmaceuticals Limited (BPL) started the export of Olopatadine, an ophthalmic product for treating the symptoms of eye allergy, to Canada. The BPL today made the announcement following the approval of Olopatadine (0.1% solution) by the Health Canada during the last financial year, which is the first time a Bangladeshi pharmaceutical product being launched in the North American country, said a BPL press release.

The current market size for Olopatadine eye drops (including all strengths) in Canada is US$ 14 million. The first consignment was delivered on September 16 and the product will be distributed through the Company's existing partner in Canada.

BPL's second prescription product for the Canadian market is currently under evaluation by Health Canada and approval is expected by the first quarter of 2018.

BPL Managing Director Nazmul Hassan, MP, said entry into the Canadian pharmaceutical market following the successful launch of our first product in the US last year is a significant step forward in strengthening our presence in North America.

This is the first time a pharmaceutical product manufactured in Bangladesh, notably a sterile ophthalmic product, has been exported to Canada, he added.

Nazmul said: "The launch of our second product in North America is another validation of our strength in offering specialized generic products in a global setting. We continue to focus on building a strong pipeline for prescription markets."

BPL's ophthalmic unit is the only such facility in Bangladesh to be approved by the regulatory authorities of Europe, Australia and Canada.